X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of the [(Mn6CrIII)-Cr-III](3+) single-molecule magnet deposited as a microcrystalline layer on gold substrates are presented. The oxidation state of the manganese centers changes from Mn-III to Mull due to irradiation with soft X-rays. The influence of the charge-neutralizing anions on the stability of [(Mn6CrIII)-Cr-III](3+) against soft X-ray exposure is investigated for the different anions tetraphenylborate (BPh4-), lactate (C3H5O3-) and perchlorate (ClO4-). The exposure dependence of the radiation-induced reduction process is compared for [(Mn6CrIII)-Cr-III](3+) with the three different anions. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.